(From right) Amelia, Hasimah and Noridawati never looked back after joining the ranks in a hobby often seen as male-dominated.
THERE is more to big bikes than just passion. Ask Amelia Wong.
She knew little about the purpose until she finally succumbed to persuasion from her two fellow female riders.
And when she picked up the rather expensive hobby a few years back, she finally realised why more women are joining the ranks in a hobby often seen as male-dominated.
The 48-year-old said that the feeling was beyond the “cool breeze against my face”, as being on big bikes develops a sense of empowerment, camaraderie and breaking traditional boundaries.Owning a RS Postal 72 Classics bike and being a member of the HD (Harley Davidson) Borneo Lady Bikers, Labuan chapter, Amelia acknowledged the risk, but has never regretted her decision to embrace the rugged hobby.
Dressed in ripped jeans and her club vest, she rode alongside over a thousand bikers, both men and women, for the recent 22nd Borneo Island International Big Bike Festival (BIIBBF).
Together, they covered a 20km route from the Sabah International Convention Centre through Likas and Penampang, looping back to their starting point.
“Contrary to popular beliefs, female big bikers are not rebellious, we are tough. Just like our male counterparts, we too share their ups and downs, their pain and laughter, the same high and lows – all for the love of the sport,” she said.
Amelia credited her friends, Noridawati Abd Ghani, 46, and Hasimah Karim, 48, for sparking her interest in big biking in 2016, a year after they had joined.
“People say it’s a man’s game, but it’s our hobby too. I was initially hesitant, but eight years later, I’m still riding, and it’s been an incredible journey,” she chuckled.
While she has countless great memories, Amelia recalls her most challenging moment during a 4,000km ride with her group from Sabah to Kuching, when she skidded on rough roads, taking a minor fall just 50km from Serian.
“The accident hurt my body but not my passion,” she said.
Noridawati and Hasimah, both avid riders, echoed her sentiments.
They invest around RM1,000 annually on bike maintenance, with costs potentially climbing for repairs or new tyres, which can range from hundreds to thousands of ringgit.
“It is the passion that drives us to ride alongside the men. We face the elements, but we’re prepared for anything, all for the love of riding,” said Noridawati, who rides a Bad Boy Low.
Hasimah, who owns a Bad Boy Softail Iron 883 bike, expressed hope that more women will join them on the road.
“There used to be five female bikers from Labuan in our group, but now it’s down to just the three of us, as two left due to other commitments. Still, we hope more women will embrace the thrill and join us.
“Riding gives you a feeling you can’t get from flying or driving – you are in control, holding the handlebars, fully responsible for yourself. You cannot find that anywhere else.”
Sabah Big Bikers Association (SBBA) president Datuk Osman Ahmed shared ambitious plans to make high-powered motorcycle events a tourism draw in Sabah.
He believes the state’s natural beauty, scenic routes, and the anticipated completion of the Pan Borneo Highway will attract more riders.
“Smooth, well-maintained roads are essential not only for motorists but also for high-powered motorcycle enthusiasts like us.
“Good roads enhance the experience and safety, encouraging more tourism activities that can benefit Sabah’s economy.
“Once the Pan Borneo Highway is fully completed, we will develop new programmes to attract more riders to Sabah,” said Osman.
This year’s three-day BIIBBF saw 1,150 high-powered motorcyclists from countries including India, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, and Africa.
A similar event, dubbed the 2nd Sarawak International Bike Gathering is set to be held at the Eco Mall, Petra Jaya, Kuching, from May 9 to 11 next year.
